PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as due to a service-connected disability (PTSD or diabetes mellitus), should be remanded because the August 2021 VA examination is inadequate and does not address the effects of medications used to treat his service-connected disabilities on his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must provide a thorough rationale for their opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the condition was incurred in service.

The Veteran's headache disability, left knee disability (including PTSD as secondary), and PTSD are all granted. The Veteran is awarded a TDIU effective March 3, 2020, for his service-connected disabilities combined to exceed 60%. A separate rating of 100% for PTSD is granted beginning on March 3, 2020. Effective March 3, 2020, the Veteran also receives SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records, including those from before January 2015 and October 2014.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing both issues regarding a higher initial disability rating for PTSD and an earlier effective date for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a low back condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability was denied, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to military sexual trauma during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, alcohol use disorder, and major depression, are granted as they were incurred due to active service.

The Board has determined that the new evidence submitted does not support a reopening of the claim for service connection for PTSD due to personal assault, as it is not relevant and does not provide a current diagnosis or link between in-service trauma and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder with PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied due to the current combined disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment since July 27, 2017. The Board has granted an effective date of that day for the assignment of a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 21, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU rating from April 21, 2010 until the Veteran's death on July 12, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating prior to November 18, 2017. The petition to reopen the service connection for sinusitis and rhinitis is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with insomnia disorder from January 31, 2007 to December 5, 2019 was denied. The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for SMC prior to December 5, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hair loss have been dismissed. The appeal regarding a headache disability secondary to PTSD is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disability and psychiatric disorder due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete development of in-service stressor events.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective June 25, 2013. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met throughout the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The evidence received since the last denial supports a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment prior to April 27, 2018, warranting a 100 percent rating.